Reimagined Duke Energy Convention Center
On July 1, 2024, the Duke Energy Convention Center began significant updates and renovations to become more flexible, functional, cutting-edge, and environmentally friendly -- a meeting planner's dream space.
The completely reimagined Center will feature modernized meeting rooms, upgraded ballrooms and renovated exhibit hall and pre-function space. In addition, a new expansive rooftop terrace on the second level will provide stunning views of Cincinnati's downtown skyline. Major improvements are being made to building systems and technology making it much more energy efficient.
The development will pour over the Elm Street Plaza, a new, two-acre park and outdoor convention area convenient for event activations and relaxing breakouts.
The project is expected to cost $264 million and reopen by January 2026 making it one of the premier convention centers in the Midwest.
Read more about the Convention Center here.
New Marriott Headquarters Hotel
Located directly across the street and south of the Convention Center, a brand-new Marriott Headquarters Hotel will be built. It is expected to feature:
- More than 62,000 square feet of meeting space and a 17,000 square foot events terrace
- Full-service, three-meal restaurant and outdoor bar with panoramic
skyline views
- A skywalk connecting the hotel to the reimagined Convention Center
- 15,000 square feet of retail space
Construction is expected to begin in Q4 2025 and cost about $536 million. Portman Holdings is the developer and the hotel brand is Marriott.
New Elm Street Convention Plaza
Located east of the Convention Center and across Elm Street, a brand new, two-acre park went through an upgrade. The plaza features:
- An additional two-acres of outdoor activation space extended from the renovated Convention Center, great for receptions, parties, live music and food trucks
- Programming and events when not being utilized by convention groups
- New pavilion and walking paths
The Elm Street Plaza officially opened in November 2025.
Key Development Dates
- Convention Center Renderings Finalized: September 2023
- Convention Center Groundbreaking: July 2024
- Elm Street Plaza Opening: November 2025
- Hotel Groundbreaking: Q4 2025
- Convention Center Grand Reopening: January 2026
- Hotel Grand Opening: Q2 2028
See the progress pictures of the Convention Center here.
Convention District Progress
More Convention District Developments
Within two blocks of the downtown Convention Center, dozens of new restaurants, shops, retail and parking have opened making it easy for visitors to grab a bite near their hotel or walk across the street for a cocktail. Explore a few of the developments below.
More Developments in Cincy North
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